If you have seen trees affected by needle cast disease in the area, avoid planting this highly susceptible tree. Fungi from several species of the genus Chrysomyxa create needle rust, affecting both cones and needles. It is most common in trees growing outside of their native range. Rhizosphaera needle cast (Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii) is a foliar disease of spruce trees. How to Care for a Diseased Blue Spruce Tree Common Blue Spruce Diseases. The... Tree Fungal Infections: How to Manage. If you notice these signs, prune all the affected areas. Always disinfect the equipment when done pruning. Occasionally, Cytospora canker is found on Douglas-fir, hemlock, and larch. Always examine spruce trees for sale before buying. Some Colorado blue spruce cultivars, like ‘Hoopsii,’ and ‘Fat Albert’ are reportedly more resistant to the disease. Similarities and differences between the two diseases exist. Cytospora canker, caused by the fungus Cytospora kunzei (also known as Valsa kunzei var. Infection by this fungal disease commonly starts in the … Early detection and proper diagnosis is important in the treatment … White spruce … You may notice orange spores or projections on the tree, which affect seed viability. Many spruce species, such as Colorado blue and Engelmann spruce are highly susceptible; white spruce is intermediate in susceptibility. Some spruce trees, such as Colorado Blue Spruce may be susceptible to environmental stress. Trees that are 15 years old or older and are at least 20 feet high most typically show symptoms of this disease. Symptoms of both needle cast diseases look similar to each other. The Cytospora canker, a stem disease, affects branches and trunks of trees. Cytospora Canker of Spruce particularly attacks blue spruce, in addition to Norway spruce, hemlock, red cedar, fir and white pine trees. These diseases primarily affect blue spruce. Instead, consider planting Norway spruce, which is resistant. These are signs the tree may defoliate. Examining the tree is the first step in addressing disease. If you notice these signs, prune all the affected areas. These are signs the tree may defoliate. At planting time, landowners should consider trees other than blue spruce… Susceptibility varies widely among species, but generally trees under stress or growing outside their natural range are more prone to the disease. When you first plant trees, water them every week during the first year until the ground freezes. If a tree has this problem, cut off branches. The Blue Spruce is a beautiful addition to any property, but obviously needs some special care. Symptoms. Consult us at Caledon Treeland, and we will happily sell you gorgeous Blue Spruces, and help you have trees that thrive for years to come: (905) 880-1828. Check if the tree has yellow or red colour or is covered with black spots. If affected trees cannot be treated, the tree must be removed to prevent the disease from spreading to other trees. Check if the tree has yellow or red colour or is covered with black spots. The Blue Spruce is drought tolerant, meaning it can survive in prolonged dry periods. During the summer months, water frequently to keep the soil moist, but make sure the soil does not retain the moisture so much that it remains wet. The recent pattern of milder than usual winters and cool spring temperatures combined with wet conditions in the northeast have favored development of a fungal disease known as "needle cast". Other hosts include: deodar cedar, Douglas fir, true firs, hemlocks, pines and coast redwood. Symptoms may first appear in mid- to late-summer as … Two needle cast diseases occur in North Dakota: Rhizosphaera needle cast and Stigmina needle cast. Examining the tree is the first step in addressing disease. These trees do not survive well in flooding or when overwatered. Spectro-90, or … In time, trees will become unsightly and should be removed. Always disinfect the equipment when done pruning. The classic symptoms of needle cast include brownish purple discoloration and eventual death of older needles, while current-year needles show no symptoms (Figure 1). Cytospora canker is one of the most common fungal diseases of Colorado blue spruce. Copyright © 2020 Caledon Treeland | Powered By: Local SEO Search Inc. Top SEO Agency in Toronto | Sitemap, Coping With Isolation Through Home Gardening, 10 Plants to Add a Splash of Colour to Your Winter Landscape, It’s a Bit Mulch: Mulching Methods for a Healthy Garden, 8 Earth-Friendly Initiatives During the Pandemic. Norway spruce (P. abies) is highly resistant to this disease. Management & Treatment … Another key characteristic of needl… To properly care for your Blue Spruce, make efforts to prevent disease (or treat it before it can spread and cause more harm). piceae), is the most prevalent and destructive fungal disease of Norway and Colorado blue spruce.